Cincinnati Bengals president Mike Brown knows full well that intense negotiations and a big check for quarterback Joe Burrow are looming.
At the team’s annual media luncheon on Monday, Brown said he didn’t know how it would all play out once Burrow was eligible for a contract extension, but he said he was confident to retain Burrow’s services. the athlete with the team.
“I can tell you we couldn’t be happier with Joe Burrow,” Brown said. He is everything you would want, especially for a quarterback in Cincinnati. Our goal will be to keep him here. »
Burrow, the 2020 top draft pick, overcame a serious left knee injury suffered during his rookie season to lead the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years.
He completed 70% of his passes for 4,611 yards with 34 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Burrow is currently entering the third year of his rookie-type contract which averages $9.9 million per season, according to Roster Management System. Seven quarterbacks currently earn more than $40 million a year. These players also have an average of $141.9 million in guaranteed money.
“It’s crazy numbers for these guys, but I think it’s well deserved,” Burrow said in June when asked about recent deals with Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay and Deshaun Watson of Cleveland. All of these guys are playing at the top of their game. They are paid accordingly. But really, I haven’t given it much thought. »
The team will have the option of extending Burrow’s rookie contract by one year due to his status as a former first-round pick, but a long-term extension is also possible after the season. “It’s a puzzle,” added Brown. We are going to sign guys who are essential to the team. And we’re going to lose guys. »
Bengals safety Jessie Bates is among those at risk of leaving. For the second year in a row, Bates and the team failed to agree on a long-term contract extension. Bates received the franchise player tag in March but has yet to sign the offer and his availability for training camp remains uncertain, coach Zac Taylor said.
Burrow won’t be the only key contract up for debate before 2023. Wide receiver Tee Higgins will also be eligible for an extension. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, the Offensive Rookie of the Year, will be able to begin contract talks in 2024.
Even if other players have to renegotiate their agreements, the priority of the team is to agree with its quarterback. “Right now, the most important thing will be to close with our quarterback,” Brown said. It’s not quite ready or mature yet, but it’s on the right track. We see the train coming. »
